Written by Petrit Latifi

Bajram Syle Kurpali (1878–1964) was an Albanian freedom fighter who fought against Ottoman, Serb, Montenegrin, Bulgarian, and Austro-Hungarian forces for the liberation of Albania. Born as the youngest son of four to Syle Kurpali, he grew up during the Albanian National Awakening, which greatly influenced his life. He participated in numerous battles over 86 years, sustaining many injuries.

Life

At the age of 28, Kurpali fought in the Battle of Drenica against the Ottoman forces led by Shemsi Pasha. This was the same battle in which Bejta Galica, the father of Azem Bejta, was killed. After Bejta’s death, Kurpali vowed to continue the fight. Oral accounts suggest he was not deterred by bullets but deeply affected by the loss of his comrades.

The valley of Prushi (Qafa e Prushit), near Gjakova at the border with Albania, holds historical significance. The Kurpali family’s kulla (traditional Albanian fortified tower) was located there. During this time, Kurpali’s brother Avdia died in battle. In 1906, Kurpali resisted Ottoman reforms, and in 1908, he joined a meeting in Ferizaj where 30,000 Albanians united against the decision to cede Albanian territories to neighboring countries.

Kurpali participated in the Battle of Bujanovac with his grandson Man Avdiu and cousin Rame Binaku from Dashinofc, where he was wounded again. In April 1910, he fought in Kaçanik alongside Idriz Seferi, sustaining more injuries that required treatment in Skopje. In 1915, he joined the Drenica fighters against Serbian forces and was wounded yet again.

In 1916, despite severe injuries, Kurpali continued to fight Bulgarian forces in Kumanovo. By this time, he had been wounded 12 times. In 1919, he joined Azem Bejta in battles against Serbian forces in Peja, where he was wounded and taken to the family kulla in Qafa e Prushit for recovery.

One winter morning in 1920, Serbian soldiers surrounded Kurpali’s kulla. Despite being injured, he defended himself by threatening the Serb commander with a revolver. Outside, his wife prepared to set the kulla on fire if necessary, while his friends surrounded the Serbian forces, forcing them to retreat.

By 1921, Serbian forces intensified their efforts against Kurpali, arresting several of his family members and imprisoning them in Požarevac. Despite mounting pressure, Kurpali continued to fight alongside Azem Bejta and, later, Bajram Curri. In 1923, he called for support from Hasan Prishtina to combat Zog forces. During these battles, Kurpali was injured for the 18th time, forcing him to retire from active combat.

Kurpali passed away in 1964 at the age of 86. His dying wish was to be buried on the mountain top of his home village, Qafa e Malit, symbolizing guardianship over Albanian territories. Before his death, he requested that his rifle not be buried with him, fearing the enemy might dig him up and leave him defenseless.

Kurpali’s family reported that he died peacefully after witnessing the creation of Albania, though he lamented Kosovo’s lack of liberation and criticized communist politics.

Legend

Bajram Syle Kurpali is remembered as the “Legend of the 18 Wounds,” a testament to his resilience and dedication to Albanian freedom.

References

1. Ars Poetica Nr. 10-11, Gusht-Shtator 2008. Lulu.com. Link
2. Tirana Observer: Hazir Syle Kurpali, profili i një atdhetari të lënë në hije. Link
3. Zemra Shqiptare – Besim Muhadri: Bajram Syle Kurpali – Legjenda e tetëmbëdhjetë plagëve. Link
4. Pashtriku – Man Poga: Hazir Syle Kurpali (1874–1913). Link
5. Islam Gjakova: Legjenda e tetëmbëdhjetë plagëve – Bajram Syle Kurpali. Link
6. Man Poga Blog: Bajram Syle Kurpali. Link